Carolina Chocolate Drops (African-American bluegrass/folk) (US/Music Maker Relief Foundation)Mon, March 10, 8:30pm, New MorningContrary to stereotypes, African-American music (traditionally and even today) is not just blues, motown, and hiphop. Did you know that the banjo is an instrument developed by African-American slaves? From the wooden back porches of North Carolina comes the old skool, pickin’ and pluckin’ African-American folk of the Carolina Chocolate Drops.(You might have heard them on the soundtrack for The Great Debaters.)Bring on the iced tea and two-steppin’.--HC and JH

This pan-european indie folk group sounds like they were magically transported from the 1920s American South, with the soulful, melancholic, charmingly twangy voice of frontswoman Rosemary Moriarty backed by folksy, bluesy acoustic strings, harmonica, and swingin’ drums. Their subtly political lyrics remain true to both the progressive parts of the folk and indie movements.Sadly, they’re already sold out at La Cigale!Try to catch them March 18 on the Radio Live show Le Fou du Roi – show up at 10am for first-come, first-serve seats to the 11am show. --HC and JH

THE DO: 20 MarThis franco-finnish indie duo (sometimes trio) with overtones of Cat Power is making waves in Paris, which are beginning to reverberate elsewhere. For a recent review and more info, click here.Cigale

Not your average, run-of-the-mill alternative rock, Eels' acoustic/classic (and sometimes bluesy) rock has a mellow beat, is sprinkled with electronica, and overflows with creativity. At times quirky and playful, other times moving, E delivers his outstanding works with a warm twangy warble. E has collaborated with a number of other greats, including John Sebastian (The Loving Spoonful), Tom Waits, Peter Buck (R.E.M.) and Patti Smith. If from nowhere else, you surely know Eels, long-term project of the prolific Mark "E" Everett, from their appearances on the soundtracks to films and TV shows like "Shrek" and "American Beauty." --HC

La Miroiterie: "A squat that offers interesting concerts and exhibitions. There is also a free shop, where you can both take and bring second-hand clothes, books, toys, and more" (Wikitravel).88, rue de Menilmontant, 75020 Paris. Metro: Menilmontant.

Point Ephemere: 19me. One of our favorite bar/resto/concert venues in Paris. Located in an old warehouse on the edge of the Canal St. Martin, Quai de Valmy, just south of MetroJaures, this is a big and important space for indieParis. It has art expos, a cheap resto/bar (pints ofGrolsch for 5euros/2.5 for a demi), and a monthly musical offerings from dj-ed electro toindie rock. 200 Quai de Valmy, 75010 Paris. Metro: Jaures, Louis Blanc.

EspaceJemmapes: Cultural center located along the Canal St. Martin. Throughout the year, thecenter provides courses in the plastic arts, performing arts, sports, dance and music and areopen to everyone. 116 rue de Jemmapes, 75010 Paris. Metro: Jacques Bonsergent

Le Fanfaron: Tiny rock bar with great character. Not for tourists. 6 Rue de la Main d'Or, 75011. Metro Ledru-Rollin.

Petit Garage: 63, Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud 75011 Metro : Menilmontant, Couronnes, or Parmentier. More student and bobo these days, but the owner still plays some good rock, punk, and new wave.